Happenings Calendar: Week of 6/24-7/2

Here’s what’s happening in and around Roanoke from Wednesday, June 24 through Thursday, July 2nd. As always, check with the venue for last‑minute changes or cancellations.

Wednesday, June 24

10 to 11 a.m. — Fossil Dig Storytime (Roanoke Public Library). Little paleontologists can dig into dinosaur tales, songs and hands‑on activities during this themed storytime. Free.

10:30 to 11:15 a.m. — Storytime with Ms. Liv (Roanoke Public Library). Join Ms. Liv for read‑alouds, rhymes and early‑literacy play that turns a weekday morning into a small adventure. Free.


11 to 11:30am - Ribbon Cutting: Chocolatepaper (308 Market St SE, Roanoke, VA 24011) The Roanoke Regional Chamber is excited to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of chocolatepaper with a special ribbon cutting ceremony! For two decades, chocolatepaper has brought creativity, charm, and unique gifts to the Roanoke community, becoming a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

Since 2006, chocolatepaper has been voted one of the best in shopping in Roanoke and SW Virginia. With its vast selection of the finest chocolates, creative greeting cards, beautiful figt wrap, fun and contemporary gifts, including exclusive Roanoke goodies, chocolatepaper is a Roanoke destination on the historic Downtown Farmer's Market.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Cupcakes with City Employees (Roanoke Public Library). Meet the people who keep Roanoke running, ask questions and share a cupcake or two in an informal, kid‑friendly setting. Free.


Thursday, June 25

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. — PATH Walk‑In (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) (Roanoke Public Library). Folks experiencing or at risk of homelessness can drop in to connect with PATH staff for resource referrals, support and next steps. Free. roanokeva

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Storytime (Roanoke Public Library). Classic picture books, songs and simple crafts help little ones build vocabulary and confidence in a relaxed, welcoming space. Free. roanokeva

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Build a Dino Craft Time (Roanoke Public Library). Stick around after storytime to cut, color and glue your own prehistoric creatures to take home. Free; materials provided while supplies last. roanokeva

5:30 to 8 p.m. — REO Survivor and Company — Delta Dental Party in Elmwood: The Remix at Elmwood Park Amphitheater (706 S. Jefferson St. SE, Roanoke). A classic‑rock‑stacked summer party downtown with tribute sets to arena‑era staples, food trucks and a family‑friendly park crowd. Kid friendly, all ages. downtownroanoke

6:30 to 11:30 p.m. — Sicard Hollow at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW, Roanoke). Nashville‑based progressive bluegrass band Sicard Hollow stretches out at one of Roanoke’s most adventurous listening rooms. All ages; ticketed. downtownroanoke

7 to 10 p.m. — Live Music on the Rooftop at Corned Beef & Company (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Catch a band under the open sky with downtown’s brick and neon as the backdrop — a free, all‑ages outdoor show atop a classic Roanoke hangout. downtownroanoke


Friday, June 26

All day, June 26–27 — Bug Scavenger Hunt (Roanoke Public Library). Families can pick up a clue sheet and hunt for hidden “bugs” around the library, turning a regular visit into a mini summer quest. Free. roanokeva

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Belmont Bistro (Roanoke Public Library). A community‑style drop‑in with light refreshments, conversation and resource tables — think of it as a neighborhood café inside the library. Free. roanokeva

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — “Pete the Cat” presented by Mill Mountain Musical Theatre (Roanoke Public Library). The beloved blue cat jumps off the page and onto a small stage in this kid‑friendly musical performance, with time for photos and wiggles. Free. roanokeva

6:30 to 11:30 p.m. — Nether Hour at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (1217 Maple Ave. SW, Roanoke). Austin‑born roots‑rock band Nether Hour brings heavy grooves and jam‑length sets to 5 Points for a long, loud Friday night. All ages; ticketed. downtownroanoke

8 to 9:55 p.m. — Comedian Matt Richards at Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges (9 Old Whitmore Ave., Roanoke). Stand‑up comic and host Matt Richards hits the riverside stage with an outdoor set under the lights; pet‑friendly, 21+ in bar areas. Ticketed. downtownroanoke


Saturday, June 27

All day, June 26–27 — Bug Scavenger Hunt (Roanoke Public Library). Day two of the insect‑themed hide‑and‑seek continues; complete the hunt and snag a small prize or bragging rights. Free.roanokeva

10 to 11 a.m. — Happy HeARTs Community Session (Ages 10 and older) at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). A guided art‑making session focused on creativity and emotional wellbeing for tweens, teens and adults. Kid friendly. downtownroanoke

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Star City Motor Madness (Downtown Roanoke). Chrome, tailfins and hot rods line city streets as classic cars and motorcycles roll in for one of Roanoke’s signature summer events; expect food vendors, music and plenty of shade‑side storytelling. Free to attend. roanokeva

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Open Play en Español (Roanoke Public Library). Children and caregivers can explore toys, books and songs in Spanish, creating a low‑pressure space to play and practice language together. Free.roanokeva

1 to 2 p.m. — Art + Architecture Walking Tour — Heart of Downtown at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). A guided stroll through public art, historic facades and the buildings that shaped downtown’s skyline. Registration recommended. downtownroanoke

2 to 3 p.m. — Preserving Your Past: Family Photographs at the Taubman Museum of Art (110 Salem Ave. SE, Roanoke). Learn how to safely store, digitize and share family photos so they survive more than one generation of shoeboxes. downtownroanoke


Monday, June 29

All day, June 29–30 — Kids’ Take‑Home Crafts (Roanoke Public Library). Swing by the front desk to grab a pre‑packed craft kit that kids can complete at home — an easy screen‑free project for a summer afternoon. Free; available while supplies last. roanokeva

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Zumba (Roanoke Public Library). Start the week with a high‑energy dance workout led by an instructor who keeps things light and welcoming for all fitness levels. Free. roanokeva

3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Zine Club (Roanoke Public Library). Teens and adults can cut, collage and staple their own mini‑magazines, trading ideas and pages in a DIY publishing hour. Free; basic supplies provided. roanokeva


Tuesday, June 30

All day, June 29–30 — Kids’ Take‑Home Crafts (Roanoke Public Library). Final day to pick up this week’s craft kit for at‑home making. Free. roanokeva

9 to 10 a.m. — Qigong (Roanoke Public Library). A gentle movement and breathing class inspired by traditional Chinese practice, aimed at promoting balance, focus and calm. Free; suitable for most ages and abilities. roanokeva

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Mill Mountain Zoosday at Belmont (Roanoke Public Library). Educators from Mill Mountain Zoo bring animal artifacts, stories and maybe a scaly or furry guest to introduce kids to wildlife up close. Free. roanokeva

4:15 to 8 p.m. — Teen Game Club at Roanoke Public Library (downtown location listed via Downtown Roanoke). Board games, card games and video games take over an afternoon and evening block designed specifically for teens. Free. downtownroanoke

7 to 10 p.m. — Live Music on the Rooftop at Corned Beef & Company (107 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke). Another chance to catch a band with mountain‑rimmed views and a city‑lit sky, as touring and local acts rotate through the summer. Free; all ages outdoors. downtownroanoke


Wednesday, July 1

All day, July 1–2 — Day of the Donut (Roanoke Public Library). A sweet‑themed celebration with donut‑inspired activities and treats; check with your branch for exact offerings and times. Free while supplies last. roanokeva

All day, July 1–2 — Ice Cream Day (Roanoke Public Library). Beat the heat with ice‑cream‑themed crafts or snacks as branches mark the unofficial height of summer. Free; details may vary by location. roanokeva

10:30 to 11:15 a.m. — Storytime with Ms. Liv (Roanoke Public Library). Ms. Liv returns with more stories, songs and early‑literacy fun for preschoolers and their grown‑ups. Free. roanokeva


Thursday, July 2

All day, July 1–3 — Day of the Donut (Roanoke Public Library). Donut festivities continue into Thursday with activities and small treats where available. Free. roanokeva

All day, July 1–3 — Ice Cream Day (Roanoke Public Library). The ice‑cream‑themed fun stretches into a second day — expect sticky fingers, big smiles and a lot of sprinkles. Free. roanokeva

All day, July 2–3 — Take‑Home Craft (Roanoke Public Library). A fresh round of grab‑and‑go craft kits hits the front desk, giving families an easy project for the long holiday weekend. Free; first‑come, first‑served. roanokeva

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